The eCommerce sector is probably going to continue its upward trajectory and rapid expansion in 2015 and for several years to come.
This prospect of fulfillment and long-term viability as an entrepreneur is thrilling, interesting, and intriguing.
Whether you’ve previously worked on the launch of an eCommerce firm or are seeking to start your own, now’s the moment to get your foot in the door.
Indeed, overall retail e-commerce sales within the US climbed from $167.3 billion to $263.3 billion between 2010 and 2013.
Last year, the figure grew to $304.1 billion, and current trends indicate that the entire budget for 2015 is going to be approximately $347.3 billion. In 2014, total estimated retail sales within the US were around $3.19 trillion.
That suggests online sales account for roughly 9.5 percent of overall sales within the US, which percentage is anticipated to rise.
Those figures, however, pale as compared to the forecasts made by financial analysts and industry experts over the subsequent three years.
Consistent with reports, the total expected U.S. retail eCommerce sales in 2016, 2017, and 2018 are going to be roughly $392.5, $440.4, and $491.5 billion, respectively.
If those figures are correct, the increase from this year to the end of 2018 will be about a tenth of a percent or 41%.
1. Allow enough time for the launch.
Forcing or hurrying the launch of an internet site is one of the most common blunders made by failing eCommerce companies.
You only have one chance to launch your website, and you can’t afford to make a mistake.
While it’s fine to choose a website name and create a “Coming Soon” page, you should postpone the big reveal until you’ve laid a solid foundation (SEO, content marketing, social media, paid to advertise, and so on).
2. Put the user in the center of attention.
It’s no secret that one of e-commerce’s biggest flaws is its inability to permit customers to touch, feel, smell, and see (firsthand) things before making a sale.
While there’s currently no remedy for the present problem, you’ll find structures for it in other areas of the company.
Offering proper prices, providing free shipping, and making the checkout process simple with streamlined shopping carts are just a couple of the simplest recommendations.
3. Put everything to the test.
You should invest in testing and analytics before, during, and after you decide on any eCommerce firm.
Consider yourself a customer, and find out what’s working, what isn’t, and why the answers are the way they are. The following are some of the most effective A/B testing software.
4. Collaborate closely with social media.
Any eCommerce business owner who claims to outsource or delegate social media to other team members is lying. Social media is the lifeblood of your business because it allows you to learn about your customers’ lives on an ongoing basis.
While having a social media manager is OK, it is also important that you simply participate in it.
5. Include social components.
Adding social elements to your eCommerce sites may be a terrific idea, and it goes hand in hand with the preceding point. The conversion funnel is aided by product reviews and testimonials, as well as follow buttons and social login options.
6. Take your business on the go.
“Tablets will play an increasingly vital role as worldwide consumer spending via mobile climbs from $204 billion in 2014 to $626 billion in 2018,” says Bill Siwicki of Internet Retailer, citing Goldman Sachs.
If you do not create eCommerce businesses with mobile phones in mind, you may be obsolete in three to five years.
7. Keep an eye fixed on SEO.
More businesses will enter this increasingly competitive area because the eCommerce industry continues to grow at a rapid pace.
This implies that staying on top of SEO will be more important than ever for the gang. In the future, working with a professional SEO will assist you to stay competitive. 8. Gather information
Unless you plan to launch one site then walk off (most entrepreneurs are tempted to stay trying), it is vital to gather client data and establish databases to assist with future launches.
9. Still growing.
Last but not least, never stop evolving. If you want to work in such a volatile industry, you must be willing to adapt to new technology, trends, and customer tastes.
You can be on your way to being a successful eCommerce entrepreneur if you follow these nine suggestions.
Related: 5 Top Tips for Starting an E-Commerce Store in 2024